RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — County College of Morris is inviting visitors to explore the universe this fall with new family programs and live night sky tours at the Longo Planetarium.
The fall lineup includes two new programs beginning Friday, Sept. 25, along with live guided tours of the night sky. Programs will be offered on select dates through Dec. 12 at the planetarium on CCM’s Randolph campus.
“Astra and Sirius,” a new 35-minute program recommended for children ages 6 to 9, follows a young girl named Astra and her dog, Sirius, on a journey through space. The program explores constellations and planets, including Mercury, Mars and Saturn, as well as icy dwarf planets beyond.
The show premieres Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. and will be presented on select Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. through Dec. 12.
Also debuting Sept. 25 is “Cosmic Mashups: Gravity, Galaxies and Supermassive Black Holes,” a 45-minute program recommended for adults and children ages 12 and older.
The program explores supermassive black holes, galaxy collisions and how those collisions can reshape galaxies. It premieres at 9 p.m. and will continue on select Fridays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. through Dec. 12.
Visitors ages 9 and older can also attend “Starlit Nights,” a live guided tour of the evening sky with CCM astronomer Kevin Conod. The program, offered on select Saturdays at 5 p.m., uses the planetarium’s Digistar 7 projection system to explore stars, constellations, nebulae and star clusters visible in the evening sky.
Tickets are required for all shows and cost $15 per person. Online reservations are strongly recommended, with a limited number of tickets available for cash purchase at the door. School and scout groups may also schedule visits in advance.
The Longo Planetarium is located in Cohen Hall, Room 207, on CCM’s campus at 214 Center Grove Road in Randolph. Parking is available in Lot 7. Late arrivals cannot be admitted after a show begins.
Show schedules, trailers and ticket information are available on the Longo Planetarium section of CCM’s website.
